PFF ranks Casey Hayward as the best corner in the league heading into 2018

Pro Football Focus ranked the top 15 corners in the league heading into 2018. Two of the top five were rookies last year: Tre’Davious White and Marshon Lattimore. Both played at an extremely high level in their respective roles. No. 3 on the list was a familiar foe for the Chargers, Chris Harris Jr. The slot corner from the Denver Broncos has been incredible in his role and is a big reason why Denver had a historically good pass defense a couple years ago.

No. 1 on the list is Jalen Ramsey. It didn’t even take two years of play for Ramsey to elevate his game to be arguably the best corner in the game. His speed, length, tenacity and awareness all stand out when watching Ramsey. Last year, per PFF, Ramsey allowed a catch rate of 51 percent. That’s pretty good for someone who tracks the other team’s No. 1 receiver no matter where he goes.

Speaking of tracking receivers, this brings us to No. 1 on the list and No. 26 in your programs. Hayward led the league in interceptions in 2016, yet he actually played better in 2017. Per PFF, last year Hayward ranked first in the league by allowing a reception once every 17-plus snaps in coverage. He also allowed a passer rating of 58.6 on throws into his coverage. You can make an argument for a couple guys, but Hayward is very much in the conversation for No. 1. Judging by the last two years, there’s no reason to think Hayward’s play will take a dip this year.

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